This course is for those wishing to embark on more demanding counselling
training beyond an introductory level. This may be enough for those who want to
develop skills in existing work or activities.

For others it is the first stage of a programme of part-time training towards
professional status. It may be taken on its own or followed by the CPCAB
Certificate in Counselling Studies.

What will I learn?

The aim of the course is to help students develop the skills of active
listening, developing more personal ways of relating, learning to refine
their skills through giving and receiving feedback, and developing
self-awareness through taking part in groupwork.

Much of the approach will begin with the qualities and skills implicit in a
Person Centred Approach to counselling. With this as a core, there will also be
explorations of other kinds of skills, relating to developing relationships,
listening for underlying meanings, deepening the field of experience and the
significance of support and challenge in contributing to our own and others'
learning.

Entry requirements

We recommend that candidates have previously completed the CPCAB Award in
Introduction to Counselling Skills (Level 2) or equivalent, and a tutor's
recommendation for progression is required.

If you consider that your previous training or work experience equips you to
enrol onto this course without the Introductory course, please contact Customer
Services who will arrange for a counselling tutor to contact you to discuss this
and to arrange an interview.

There will be a distinct emphasis on self exploration and students should
consider whether they feel ready and sufficiently supported for this.

Study, assessment and qualifications

Internal assessment is ongoing and is designed to meet the requirements of
the qualification. Students keep a weekly learning journal as part of a
portfolio of coursework which also includes feedback on skills practice, an
essay and a self-review.

External assessment involves candidates watching a DVD of a helping session
and completing a written candidate feedback paper.

The course takes place on one full day a week for 15 weeks (offered at
Lackham and Warminster). We also offer an evening course which entails Saturday
workshops in addition to the weekly class.

You should also allow time for home study, including keeping a weekly
learning journal, reading, and researching and writing assignments. We suggest
you allow at least 4-6 hours a week for this. You will have access to college
facilities including the Library and Learning Resources Centre.

Additional costs and information

Students are required to undertake five weeks of personal
counselling/therapy. This cost is not included in the course fees.

This qualification is not suitable for those who are currently in a state of
severe emotional difficulty and/or severe psychological confusion.

Please note that counselling courses include personal development activities
that involve you talking about some of your personal experience in the group.
For this reason we advise people in close relationship not to attend the same
training group. (If you need further guidance on this, please ask to speak to a
tutor.)

An interview is required for this course.

What could I do next?

The CPCAB Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies follows on from this
course. You can find more information on the award at www.cpcab.co.uk .

Please note that progression is not automatic but is based on an individual
discussion on readiness to undertake the next deeper and more demanding level of
training.

Apprenticeships and Adult Education Funded Courses

The College’s Adult funded courses and apprenticeships prior to 1st May 2017 and apprenticeships with non-levy paying employers post 1st May 2017, are funded by the Education and Skills Funding Agency and part financed by the European Union through the European Social Fund (ESF). ESF supports activities to extend employment opportunities and develop a skilled workforce.